French Revolution Flashcards
What were the causes of the French Revolution?
The causes of the French Revolution were:
HISTORICAL FACTORS - The storming of Bastille - The Bastille was a large prison in a poor part of Paris. It was an armed fortress that came to symbolize the king’s power over the people. This attack inspired people across France to take action against the king and against local nobility.
SOCIAL FACTORS - Before the revolution, people’s roles were set before they were born. If you were born a commoner, you were likely to remain a commoner all your life. The king and the aristocrats held most of the power. This enabled them to accumulate great wealth. The commoners resented having no say in government. A growing middle class (bourgeoisie) full of wealthy doctors, lawyers, highly skilled people were becoming more aware of paying higher taxes that enabled the king and aristocrat to live in great luxury. They spread discontent through the French population to encourage change in the social ranks.
ECONOMIC FACTORS - Due to the long war with Britain and other countries, King XVI was nearly bankrupt. To raise money, he decided that the people should pay more taxes, including the aristocrats. Louis XVI was desperate so he called the Estates General. This led to the Tennis Court Oath and the storming of Bastille. As the news of what was happening in Paris spread, people in other parts of France rose up against aristocrats and clergy who had controlled them.
GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS - During this time, France was some bad weather - a harsh winter along with a harsh summer. These weather conditions destroyed grain crops and created a flour shortage, so the price of flour rose. Higher prices meant that many people who were poor could not afford to buy bread. Riots over the price of bread occurred.
POLITICAL FACTORS - The Third Estate (The National Assembly) were frustrated with their lack of power within the government. They created a document called the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen which took away the traditional privileges enjoyed by the king, the clergy and the aristocracy. It said that the role of government is to preserve the right of the people. The rulers of other European countries worried that the revolutionary ideas that had taken root in France would spread. In response, they set forces to invade France and restore King Louis XVI to power, but France’s revolutionary army successfully fought off the invaders. In response to the outside threats, the revolutionary leaders executed Louis XVI. As a result, the leaders began a brutal crackdown that became known as the Reign of Terror.
What were the results of the French Revolution?
The results of the French Revolution were:
NATIONALISM
ABOLITION of Absolute Monarch
COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS - The revolutionary slogan “Liberte, egalite, fraternite” (liberty, equality and brotherhood) became a national symbol. The marching song “La Marseillaise” became France’s national anthem. The revolutionary colors of red, white, and blue became the colors of the French flag.
What were the 3 Estates of the Estates General?
The 3 Estates of the Estates General were:
FIRST ESTATE - clergy
SECOND ESTATE - aristocrats
THIRD ESTATE - commoners
The three estates met and voted separately. The majority vote of each estate was then expressed as a single vote. This meant that the First and Second Estates could always outnumber the Third Estate by 2 to 1.
What is an Absolute Monarchy?
An absolute monarchy is one where the king has all the power. The king decides what should be done without any help from the people of the country.
Define: COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS
Collective consciousness is an awareness, or internal consciousness, shared by many people. It may be based on a shared memory of and pride in specific events, which become myths and symbols of belonging.
For example, FRANCE
- The storming of Bastille is a national holiday.
- The revolutionary slogan “Liberte, egalite, fraternite” is a national symbol.
- The marching song “La Marsillaise” became France’s national anthem.
- The revolutionary colors of red, white, and blue became the chosen colors of the French flag.
Define: CLERGY
Clergy are members of the church. They, along with the King, have the most power.
